Airport Planner Supervisor

Job description

Compensation Grade: S23 Salary Range: $133,238.00-$193,195.00 Opening Date: September 8, 2026 Closing Date: September 26, 2026 Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date. As the Airport Planner Supervisor, you will provide technical advice and make decisions on buildings, support systems, and architectural settings that impact the Airports Authority’s ability to provide functionally sound and aesthetically pleasing structures. Airport Planner Supervisor Serves in the Planning Department of the Office of Engineering at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). In conjunction with the Planning Department Manager, and through peer supervisors, subordinate department staff, consultants and /or personally, manages, develops, and advises on design aspects of the Airports’ Master Plans, serves as a project manager during planning, programming phases, and during design, construction, activation, and operation phases. Performs related functions. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Assists the Planning Department Manager in directing and managing all facets of the Airports Authority's comprehensive master planning efforts for physical development and redevelopment. Advises organizational leadership on executive-level planning and programming requirements to plan, design, and construct various aviation and non-aviation facilities. Serves as technical expert and advisor with regard to airport terminal, gate, concourse, and facility building planning and design. Establishes building program criteria and standards for design or redesign of structures; contributes to budget plans for facilities planning. Develops Airport Master and Subarea Plans, including for facilities and projects at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), the Dulles Toll Road, and other Airports Authority property. Assists Planning Department Manager in developing pre-design data or the Capital Construction Program (CCP) and Capital, Operating, and Maintenance Investment Program (COMIP), Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and Repair and Rehabilitation Program (R&R) projects. Assists in developing scope, schedule and cost data and negotiates pre-design program statements. Reviews and makes recommendations on airline space reallocations, equipment changes, and gate configurations; interprets and assesses the impacts of changed procedures, equipment, and operations on security, especially as required by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Develops strategies for growth and change from the perspectives of the airlines and their customers; reviews and makes recommendations on changes and advancements in commercial programs in the terminals and for changing technology used by passengers. Directs comprehensive environmental planning program to support organization capital construction and historic preservation programs to include commercial development on Authority-owned land. Manages multiple tasks and projects of varying complexity and urgency, effectively prioritizing work to achieve organizational objectives and meet established deadlines. Identifies critical issues, analyzes impacts and risks, develops recommendations, and implements effective solutions to address challenges and support informed decision-making. Serves as a Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR), develops statements of work for technically demanding planning and design projects; assists in selection of consultants and oversees quality, schedule, and cost control. Works with other Airports Authority staff, as well as planning partners or interested parties in the private and public sectors, to resolve conflicts and gain approval for parallel efforts. Ensures Planners conduct meetings with stakeholders to relay in-progress study findings, develop consensus on recommendations, and gain approvals for conclusions. Communicates technical and administrative progress to senior management and the Board of Directors. Works with project managers from the Design, Construction, and Building Codes/Environment Departments during preparation of pre-design programs to identify issues, generate solutions, and coordinate cost estimates and schedules. Collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies, airport stakeholders, industry organizations, and external partners to facilitate project coordination, resolve issues, and advance planning, development, and infrastructure initiatives in support of organizational objectives. Maintains awareness of the overall program budget, including major commitments, expenditures, funding availability, and anticipated needs, and coordinates with project controls/finance to identify potential budget impacts or variances. Oversees site visits by Planners to DCA, IAD, and peer airports to ensure the practicality of ideas for planning studies and programs. Coordinates with the Engineering Design and Construction Departments and assists in the development of planning, design, and construction contracts; technical procedures; and letters, reports, memoranda, and technical drawings. Stays abreast of the latest advances in airport physical planning expertise and technology. Performs other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Eight years of progressively responsible experience in planning, pre-design, design, and construction, and project and program management as it relates to facilities. At least two years should be working directly for an airport or an airport authority. Additional consideration will be given to demonstrated leadership and collaboration across a large or complex organization or staff. Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of overall airport facility planning and operations and ability to apply it to develop or review comprehensive, integrated designs. Comprehensive knowledge of planning-related fields (e.g., space programming, site selection, construction practices) and skill in applying it to coordinate and sequence work and minimize collateral problems during planning and design for construction. Knowledge of and skill in applying sustainable airport facility planning/design practices involving energy use, building materials, waste management, and building placement. Knowledge of and skill in applying building and fire codes, laws governing accessibility, regulations and standards involving airport facilities, and other Federal, state, and local laws and regulations to ensure compliance. Comprehensive knowledge of the National Environmental Policy Act, its implementation on airports and its implications/importance in planning and program management. Knowledge of historic preservation and skill in identifying pertinent preservation issues, developing appropriate mitigation responses, establishing or maintaining effective liaison with preservationists, and ensuring overall conformance of plans with public policy. Knowledge of supervisory principles and ability to manage the operations and programs of the unit/team. Ability to coordinate with external stakeholders and regulators to advance organizational initiatives. Ability to perform complex analyses of data and information and make recommendations. Ability to speak and write effectively, with emphasis on communicating technical issues to nontechnical audiences. Skill in using a computer and modern office suite software, with emphasis on specialized software for project planning, graphics illustration, and facilities and infrastructure design and planning applications. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Licensed as an Architect. A master’s degree in Facilities Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related field. EDUCATION A Bachelor’s Degree in Facilities Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related field. CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED A state driver’s license in good standing. NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors. Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit). May be exposed to some adverse weather conditions and dust, grease, dirt, and loud noise when visiting work sites. Wears personal protective equipment, as needed, at work sites. WHAT WE OFFER A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family’s health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here . A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.